A Good Diet For Hypothyroidism

Can Make A Huge Difference

One of the major parts of the body that is responsible for the production of hormones that are essential in maintaining metabolism is the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism occurs when the normal function of the thyroid gland is interrupted.

About Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland is unable to produce the necessary amount of hormones needed by your body. It usually happens when your thyroid gland is removed by a surgical procedure or if you are born with a health problem known as congenital hypothyroidism. When your thyroid gland is unable to function, you can suffer from hypothyroidism. If your thyroid gland is unable to produce thyroid hormones, you can experience symptoms such as constipation, weight gain, depression, cold intolerance, fatigue, dry skin and goiter.

Benefits of A Hypothyroidism Diet Plan

Hypothyroidism is not a life-threatening disease but there is a possibility that you will have it for the rest of your life. In order to minimize the negative effects of the disease, you should change your lifestyle and establish a diet for hypothyroidism. A hypothyroid diet plan gives you additional information about the foods that you need to eat as well as the foods that you need to avoid. A good diet for hypothyroidism, alongwith a natural supplement for hypothyroidism, will prevent symptoms from happening and it can make you live a healthier and happier life.

Foods for Hypothyroidism

Generally, the best diet for hypothyroidism contains foods that are high in iodine. These foods can be beneficial in preventing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. You should avoid eating any peanuts, coleslaw, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These foods can trigger the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

Goitrogens are natural chemicals that are found in certain types of foods which can cause the thyroid gland its inability to produce thyroid hormones. Most of these foods are commonly eaten by health-conscious individuals. Some of the foods that contain goitrogens include cauliflower, spinach, soybeans, pine nuts, millets, kale, radishes, peanuts, and peaches. Luckily, studies have found out that cooking these foods will inactivate their goitrogens.

Even though these types of foods offer many health benefits, they have a goitrogenic potential and they should be avoided by women who are approaching menopause and people who show symptoms of hypothyroidism.

There are goitrogens like soy isoflavones which pose a problem to women who are approaching menopause. Soy isoflavones can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes but they are known to worsen the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Moreover, there are menopausal symptoms that are similar to the symptom of hypothyroidism such as weight gain, lethargy, and depression.

People who have low levels of thyroid hormones will often feel cold but it is not yet known whether the phytoestrogenic foods that are consumed have an effect on the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones. However, avoiding the foods containing goitrogens can help lessen the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. There are also non-dietary factors involved.

There are a lot of vitamins and minerals which can help prevent the inability of the thyroid gland to function properly. Iodine is widely known to be the most important element needed by the thyroid gland. Iodized salt is commonly used as the main source of iodine to prevent goiter.

Goiter makes the thyroid gland swell and it is closely related to hypothyroidism. But iodized salt is not good enough to reduce the negative effects caused by hypothyroidism. Iodine can be found in some vegetables but the amount varies significantly, depending on the type of soil used to grow the plants. Kelp contains excessive amounts of iodine which can actually cause hypothyroidism. On the other hand, seafood is an excellent source of iodine which can be beneficial in preventing the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Zinc and vitamins A, C, E, B12, B6, B3, and B2 are known to enhance thyroid function. Shellfish and other kinds of seafood are essential components of a good diet for hypothyroidism. These are great for maintaining the weight of people who have hypothyroidism.

Foods to Avoid for People with Hypothyroidism

There are some foods that you need to avoid in order to maintain the normal function of your thyroid. Here is the list of foods that you should avoid if you happen to have hypothyroidism:

Non-fermented soy products

Soy is rich in a substance called isoflavones and it contains goitrogens which can interfere with the ability of your thyroid gland to produce hormones. Soy products such as soy milk, tofu, soybean, and soy burgers can cause reduced thyroid function.

However, fermented soy such as miso, tempeh, soy sauce, and natto are safe because they have undergone a fermentation process that decreases goitrogens found in isoflavones.

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in most beverages. This artificial sweetener can cause auto-immune disorders like Graves’ disease. Moreover, the substances used in aspartame can also cause thyroid auto-antibody production and thyroid inflammation.

Refined grains

Refined grains contain lower amounts of nutrients when compared to raw grains. Most of the vitamins and minerals are lost when the grains are processed. As a result, refined grains have lower amounts of protein and fiber which are important in maintaining one’s appetite control, energy levels, and blood sugar levels. Based on studies, people who have hypothyroidism should eat foods that are rich in fiber to maintain their weight.

Fortunately, there are whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and brown rice which are more nutritious compared to refined grains like pastas, breads, and cereals.

Gluten

Gluten contains goitrogens which can cause an auto-immune response called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in some individuals. Gluten is commonly found in processed foods such as rye and wheat.

Fatty meats

Meats contain high amounts of protein, vitamin B12, and iron. According to some studies, some people who have hypothyroidism lack some of these essential nutrients. However, fatty meats can increase your chances of having an inflammation on your thyroid glands. Moreover, your cholesterol level and high blood pressure will increase.

In order to prevent this from happening, you have to eat healthier meats and foods that contain more protein such as fortified cereals, lentils, and fish instead of fatty meats like bacon, hamburgers, and steaks. Additionally, salmon contains omega-3 fats which have anti-inflammatory effects.

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